Celebrations as CIPS Africa students graduate

The annual graduation ceremony for CIPS Africa students welcomed new graduates into the profession.

More than 100 students graduated with their CIPS Professional Diploma at the Summer Place, Sandton, South Africa.

Duncan Brock, group director at CIPS, officiated the ceremony and said: “I think it’s great to see people enjoy the fruits of the hard labour that they’ve put in. I’d encourage people to really invest in themselves and develop their skills. They could carry on to become real leaders in this profession in the future.”

Past graduates have entered into a variety of industries, and 50% of them are state-owned enterprises, according to CIPS.

Graduate Godfrey Masindi said: “It was a special day, I’m so happy for myself and what I’ve achieved so far, and everything that CIPS has taught me throughout the journey. I’m so excited to have finally acquired this qualification and I thank CIPS for all the support.”

Another graduate said: “I would advise anyone with a procurement role to do procurement with CIPS because the programme is comprehensive, in terms of the various aspects of supply management.”

Many part-time students on the course were also working full-time in a related field. One graduate said it was challenging but achievable for graduates who studied while working full-time.

The CIPS Africa course has been running since 2009 and is held at centres in countries throughout southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Ghana.

Between 2018 and 2019, 254 students have attended graduation.

Sarie Homan, head of the South Africa Professional Body at CIPS, said: “We were celebrating with so many graduates that have come a long way to be here. It’s an exciting time for anyone in CIPS. [There are] lots of new programmes, initiatives and new technology.”